Local Doctor Claims False Arrest At 108th CC Meeting

BY JASON D. ANTOS

Photo Jason D. Antos Dr David Goldhaber (l.) confronts 108th Precinct Commanding Officer Deputy Inspector Thomas J. Kavanagh about his arrest, which he feels was false.
A meeting of the 108th Precinct Community Council was held at the Sunnyside Community Services Center on Tuesday October 27. The meeting was called to order at 7 p.m. by Sunnyside Chamber of Commerce Second Vice President Patricia Dorfman.

A panel of officers and detectives answered questions and concerns of local citizens. Community Affairs Officer Juan J. Toro reviewed upcoming events that will affect the area. “This is going to be a busy next couple of days,” reminded Toro, who was referring to the start of the World Series, Halloween, the New York City Marathon, and the November 3 election.

Crime rate statistics were given by 108th Precinct Commanding Officer Deputy Inspector Thomas J. Kavanagh. The news was mixed. Robberies, rape, murder and felony assaults were up in the past month. However, compared with annual statistics, all major crimes are on a steady decline. After the deputy inspector’s report, the floor was opened to any questions or comments.

Dr. David Goldhaber raised his hand and Kavanagh invited him to come forward and take the microphone. According to Goldhaber, while he was double parked in front of his practice dropping people off, a pair of traffic agents approached him from across the street. Without warning, Goldhaber alleged, “[They] tried to give me a ticket for something that never occurred.” He tried to prevent this “bogus” ticket and called the 108th Precinct to report the incident. Officers were dispatched. Upon their arrival Goldhaber was taken into custody for obstruction. “I was arrested by my own precinct in front of my own office full of patients, for standing up to a pair of aggressive traffic agents,” Goldhaber complained. He said he was fingerprinted, had his mug shot taken, and spent several hours in holding. A woman in the audience stood and defended the doctor. ”He goes out of his way to help people and is not the type to cause trouble,” she said.

“As you know, this is an ongoing case and I cannot comment,” Kavanagh said. “If you have allegations or concerns, then make a complaint.”

Goldhaber was clearly not happy with the response. “This is outrageous,” he said. “The only way for this to stop is by standing up against these aggressive agents. We all have to be like the broadcaster in the movie ‘Network’ and shout, ‘I’m mad as hell and I’m not going to take this anymore’, ”.

There were no other questions or comments and the meeting was adjourned shortly after.